Culture Part 1 -Maori Culture of New Zealand

The best I can show you on a traditional New Zealand dance is from this link on U Tube. Bear in mind that in modern times women can participate more in the traditional Maori Haka. We grew up with learning the Poi dance which is impressive.

The link here to traditional Haka with men & women.

However, I have no Maori heritage except one of the pioneer New Zealander that came here from Britain as our future here was brighter than there. I am a 6th generation New Zealand with mainly english roots but have Irish, Scottish, Cornish, Norman and Scaninavian and West European culture. Most NZ generation Kiwis as we call ourselves are of mixed origin.

My ancestor my great great great grandmother Mary was from Ireland and was a herbal healer both of Maori and Pakeha (white man) in her time. She went often at the risk of her own life in a place called, “Pirongia” to heal sick Maoris. The Maoris of different nations were killing each other off.

Now I realise the Maoris who often fought against each other did not hurt my grand mother because she did heal them from both sides, and was a benefit to all Maori tribes.

I have seen Maori traditional dance on TV but mostly with only men. Their expressions are so warlike but I am sure it is mostly for show. One thing I noticed is that Maori also have totem poles (although with different designs) just like North America First Nations…

Yes, the poles that the Maori people construct tell you about their family and in tradition they were handed their history by word of mouth, down to their first canoe that arrived in Aoteroa or New Zealand. The history has to be said correctly by word of mouth